(Reuters): Donald Trump’s administration are discussing diplomatic options with Iran even as the White House considers possible military action, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The report said Vice President JD Vance and other top aides had urged Trump to pursue diplomacy before authorising strikes against Iran, as tensions rise over Tehran’s nuclear programme and recent nationwide protests.
However, a spokesman for Vance rejected the portrayal. “Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio are jointly presenting a full range of options to the president, from diplomatic engagement to military measures,” said William Martin, Vance’s communications director. “They are doing so without bias or preference.”The discussions come as Washington weighs a reported Iranian offer to engage in nuclear talks.
Tehran has said it is keeping communication channels open with the US despite escalating rhetoric and pressure.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said contacts with US special envoy Steve Witkoff had continued before and after the protests and remained ongoing, though he described Washington’s proposals as incompatible with US threats.
Late Monday, Trump added to the pressure by announcing that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25% tariff on its exports to the United States. He described the move as “final and conclusive” in a social media post but did not provide details on its legal basis or scope.
The White House declined to comment further. Iran’s UN mission also did not respond to requests for comment.
Iran, already subject to extensive US sanctions, exports most of its oil to China, with Türkiye, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and India among its other key trading partners. Meanwhile, despite a nationwide internet blackout, some Iranians are continuing to access Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service, according to people inside the country.
Users told Reuters that Starlink remains operational in parts of Iran, particularly in border areas, though access is uneven.Alp Toker, founder of internet monitoring group NetBlocks, said reports indicate Starlink connectivity persists in some regions. “It’s patchy, but still there,” he said.
